Definition
In a blockchain context, RPC (Remote Procedure Call) is an interface mechanism that allows software clients to communicate with a blockchain node over a network. It exposes a standardized set of methods for reading blockchain data or submitting transactions by sending structured requests to a node’s RPC server and receiving structured responses, typically via HTTP, WebSockets, or similar transport protocols.
In Simple Terms
RPC is a way for apps and services to talk to a blockchain node over the internet. An app sends a request with a specific command, and the node sends back a reply with the requested blockchain information or a confirmation that a transaction request was received.
Context and Usage
RPC is a core infrastructure layer for blockchain interaction, sitting between applications and nodes. Wallets, dashboards, indexers, and other blockchain-integrated services rely on RPC to query on-chain data and to relay transaction data to the network through specific endpoints. Discussions of RPC often focus on node connectivity, reliability, performance, and access control in decentralized application architectures.